QUICK SLANT: The Hurricanes go for their first road victory in a place they have never won. UM has lost both times it has traveled to Chapel Hill, N.C., losing in 1981 and 2004.

ABOUT NORTH CAROLINA: The Tar Heels are much better than their record. Three of the losses have been by seven points or less, including a 17-10 defeat to No. 17 Virginia Tech last week.

ABOUT MIAMI: UM is riding a three-game win streak and a victory could lead to an appearance in the Top 25 polls. The 'Canes are 26th in the USA Today coaches poll and 27th in The Associated Press poll.

THE BUZZ: This is the first time UNC coach Butch Davis meets his former employer. Davis was coach at Miami for six seasons before leaving for the Cleveland Browns. He returns to the college level with hopes of turning around a struggling program. UNC has not finished above .500 since 2001.

- Shandel Richardson

N.C. State at FSU

Kickoff: 3:30 p.m.

TV: 10 25 Radio: WLVJ (640-AM), WFTL (850-AM)

Records: N.C. State 1-4, 0-2 in ACC; FSU 3-1, 0-1

Line: FSU by 17 1/2

Weather: Partly cloudy and windy, mid 80s

Quick slant: N.C. State hasn't beaten a Bowl Subdivision team since it defeated Florida State a year ago, and FSU hasn't beaten an ACC Atlantic Division team since October 2005.

About N.C. State: The Wolfpack ranks near the bottom of the nation in total offense (97th), total defense (86th) and turnover margin (second-worst). A bright spot has been RB Andre Brown. He ran for 179 yards and a touchdown at FSU two seasons ago.

About FSU: We saw a confident, efficient, big-play offense during the second half vs. Alabama. With QB Xavier Lee making the fourth start of his career, expect to see more highlights. The Seminoles' running game must get going against a Wolfpack run defense that ranks 116th nationally.

Worth noting: This one is sure to be emotional, given that FSU linebackers coach Chuck Amato will be facing the team he coached for seven years.

About Troy: QB Omar Haugabook (Glades Central), last season's Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year, can torch defenses with his arm and legs. The senior is second on the team in rushing (43.8 ypg). The struggling defense is anchored by LB Boris Lee, who leads the team in interceptions and tackles.

About FIU: The quarterbacks must step up their game. Redshirt freshman Wayne Younger will start, but if he struggles Paul McCall and Colt Anderson will see playing time. The defense has had a tough time against mobile quarterbacks.